One of the not so pleasant realizations of entering your adulthood is that everything changes. People who you thought would forever stay for you, friends who you had decided to get old with, an office where you saw yourself for years, all of them at some point fade away.

The separation can be circumstantial, a high voltage dramatic end or just two entities on different paths slowly drifting apart. And even years later if you do get back together, its childish to expect things to be the same as earlier. A more realistic approach would be to blend the past into the narrative and continue from there, neither ashamed nor in denial but with full acceptance.

You need to learn to let go. Of things, of people, of ideas.

You are a constantly evolving version of yourself. So are others and hence there are bound to be differences. With few, the trajectory can become so divergent that trying to maintain the relationship does not make sense and in fact could be constant fuel for conflict and hurt.

When you let go, you are not denying its existence or the power it held over you at some point. In fact you could lovingly look back to few memories or people even long after you have drifted apart and chosen a different path. But letting go can be seen as a natural purge. A space emptied gives room for something new to fill.

It might be a natural transition to a more authentic and true version of yourself, so embrace it.

The next time you decide to let go of something or someone, do it. Maybe with folded hands and moist eyes for all the good times. but also with a gentle smile looking forward to a new future.